Airports: Car Parking

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many designated car parking spaces there are at the following airports: (a) Heathrow; (b) Gatwick; (c) Stansted; (d) Luton; (e) Birmingham; (f) Liverpool; (g) Manchester; (h) Bristol; (i) Glasgow; (j) Edinburgh; (k) Newcastle; (l) East Midlands; (m) Aberdeen; (n) Cardiff; and (o) Belfast.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The following figures have been sourced from both the relevant airport master plans and the airport operators. Please note some of the figures are only approximate.
	
		
			  Designated Parking Spaces   
			 Airport Planning Actual Notes 
			 BAA Heathrow 42k cap 19,564 public 15,343 staff  
			 BAA Gatwick  49,000 total  
			 BAA Stansted  26,750 public  
			 Luton  8,479 public  
			 Birmingham  13,555 - Including 1,700 for staff 345 for car hire companies. 
			 Liverpool  Approx. 6,250  
			 Manchester  21,200 total, of which 5,700 staff  
			 Bristol  Approx. 8,000  
			 BAR Glasgow  5,531 public 1,382 staff 1,640 additional spaces recently approved by local planning authority, but not implemented as yet. 
			 BAA Edinburgh  6,400  
			 Newcastle Planning permission exists for a multi-storey which will add approx. a further 550 spaces 6,680 spaces  
			 East Midlands  7,573 spaces Soon to increase for final figure see master plan, expected to be published in January. 
			 Aberdeen  2,020 staff, 
			 1,853 public  
			 Cardiff  3,896 spaces 730 to be added next year. 
			 Belfast International  Approx. 9,000  
			 Belfast City  2,575 spaces Not incl. 300 for car hire companies.

Airports: Competition

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they plan to increase competition in the airport operating industry in the south-east of England.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The economic regulation of airports in the south-east of England is a matter for the CAA, as airports regulator, and the competition authorities.

Armed Forces: Guidance to Young Recruits

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps are taken during the recruitment of under 18 year-olds into the Armed Forces to ensure that all potential recruits and their parents fully understand the terms of enlistment and procedures for discharge.

Lord Drayson: During the recruit selection process the staffs at the Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCO) provide comprehensive written and verbal guidance to all potential recruits, in particular those under 18 years of age and their parents, regarding their terms of service and rights to discharge. Parents/guardians of applicants aged under 18 are required to complete a formal written consent form which has to be witnessed by someone of standing in the community, before the applicant can enter service. In addition:
	After arrival at HMS "Raleigh" each naval recruit is again briefed on the terms of the engagement and conditions of service. They are also required to make a declaration that they understand that they have the right to claim discharge, giving 14 days' notice, during the first six months of service, before being asked to enlist by signing the engagement form.
	The Army is currently in the process of producing a publication aimed at parents/guardians which aims to answer concerns in relation to their child joining the Army. The publication is due to be available by the end of March 2006. Also, job profiles given to new recruits explain the nature of their employment group in operations.
	Twice during the enquiry/application process, RAF applicants receive an RAF form which sets out the terms and conditions of enlistment, their right to terminate their service and a statement that they may be required to serve worldwide.
	The Tri-Service AFCO Form 5, Application Form Information and Guidance Booklet, outlines the Armed Forces attitude towards bullying and harassment and the areas in which the service way of life differs from that of civilian society. These messages are reinforced during Armed Forces recruiting presentations which are open to applicants and their parents/guardians.

Aviation Health: Contaminated Air

Lord Tyler: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What reports they have received on the potentially dangerous air contamination incident in a Boeing 757 aircraft registered G-BIKI on 9 November 1998.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The CAA has no record of an air contamination incident involving a Boeing 757 aircraft registered G-BIKI on 9 November 1998.

Aviation Health: Contaminated Air

Lord Tyler: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What reports they have received on the potentially dangerous air contamination incident in a Boeing 757 aircraft registered G-BPED on 23 June 2003.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) received a report regarding an incident involving a Boeing 757 aircraft registered G-BPED on 23 June 2003. The CAA's Mandatory Occurrence Report database states:
	"During approach, a chemical/metallic smell was noted by 3 crew members in the rear galley area. This caused one of the crew to suffer a headache, although following a rest after landing, she was able to continue her duties. Subsequent inspection revealed oil dripping from the left hand pack bay area, with oil leaking from the air cycle machine into the pack bay".
	Appropriate repair procedures were initiated by the operator.

Department for Transport: Ten Year Plan

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many of the targets, commitments and pledges contained in their ten year transport plan and published by the Deputy Prime Minister on 20 July 2000, have been met or achieved.

Lord Davies of Oldham: In December 2002 the Department for Transport published Delivering Better Transport: Progress report which outlined progress on Transport 2010: The Ten Year Plan. The department's strategy has subsequently been revised and The Future of Transport: a network for 2030 was published in July 2004.
	The department's key activities and achievements over the past 12 months, taking forward the policy commitments and targets contained in the Future of Transport White Paper, are set out in the department's annual report 2005 and autumn performance report 2005. These reports are available on the DfT website.

EU: Budget

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In arriving at the estimates of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Union Budget set out in the Pre-Budget Report of 5 December, what assumptions have been used about (a) the levels of the United Kingdom's gross contributions to the European Union Budget, (b) the amounts of the Fontainebleau rebate received, and (c) other receipts (excluding the rebate) from the European Union Budget, in the four financial years 2004–05 to 2007–08 inclusive.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: The figure of £3.9 billion for the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EC Budget in 2004–05 which was published in the Pre-Budget Report (Cm 6701) consisted of a gross contribution of £12.2 billion less abatement of £3.7 billion less public sector receipts of £4.6 billion.
	Details of the breakdown of the net contribution estimates for 2005–06 to 2007–08 can be found in Table 3.2 (page 15) of the European Community Finances White Paper (Cm 6580).

EU: Budget

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, and if so where, they have published their estimates of the gross amounts of United Kingdom public and private sector payments to, and receipts from, European Union institutions in respect of the common agricultural policy; and, if these figures were added to the Pre-Budget Report's estimates of the United Kingdom net contribution to the European Union Budget, how and by how much the Pre-Budget Report's estimates would change.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: The United Kingdom makes its contributions to the EC Budget as a whole and not to individual programmes within it. There is, therefore, no specific UK contribution to the common agricultural policy. This contribution, together with the UK abatement and receipts from the EC Budget which are channelled through the public sector, make up the net contribution estimates which were published in the Pre-Budget Report (Cm 6701). Her Majesty's Government do not have a detailed breakdown of those receipts which are paid direct to the private sector but an estimate of their total current value can be found in paragraph 3.8 (page 13) of the European Community Finances White Paper (Cm 6580).

European Court of Human Rights:Non-implementation of Judgments

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 25 October (WA 173), whether they will publish their reasons for not having implemented the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights given against the United Kingdom during the period between 1998 and 2005, identifying each case and the reasons for non-implementation in that case.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Further to my reply of 25 October, in which I listed the judgments against the United Kingdom being supervised at that time by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe pursuant to Article 46(2) ECHR (as listed by the Council of Europe Secretariat), I am pleased to provide to the noble Lord detailed information on each judgment still under supervision, as follows:
	Steel and Morris (Application no. 68416/01)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers explaining how the Access to Justice Act 1999 provides a discretion to provide legal aid in defamation proceedings; and how existing provisions in the law are sufficient to enable the courts, in assessing general damages for defamation, to ensure account is taken of the defendant's means and the proportionality of the award. The information provided is under review. The Government will provide further information relating to the situation in Scotland.
	Bubbins (Application no. 50196/99)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers regarding implementation of the judgment. The court's judgment referred to a lack of provision in law, in the particular circumstances of the application, for the judicial determination of the civil liability in damages, if any, of the police. Since the application, the Human Rights Act 1998 has entered into force. A person in the situation of the applicant could bring a claim against the police under Section 7 of the Act in respect of allegations of a breach of Article 2 of the convention. Such proceedings would provide a forum in which a claim for compensation for non-pecuniary damages in respect of any civil liability of the police could be assessed. Information on that remedy will be communicated to the Committee of Ministers for assessment.
	Lloyd (Application no. 29798/96) and Beet (Application no. 47675/99)
	The Government have paid the sum awarded as just satisfaction and have submitted the acknowledgement of receipt from the applicant's solicitors to the Committee of Ministers in the Lloyd case. In the Beet case, the Government have paid the sum awarded as just satisfaction and are awaiting an acknowledgement of receipt from the applicant's solicitors, which will be submitted to the Committee of Ministers. All necessary general measures have been taken in the context of earlier cases. Information on the publication and dissemination of the judgment has, however, been requested and will be communicated to the committee.
	Crowther (Application no. 53741/00)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on measures that have been introduced to improve the enforcement of confiscation orders since the judgment in October 1998, including: formation of the Concerted Inter-Agency Criminal Finance Action Group in June 2002; establishment of the Joint Asset Recovery Database in April 2004; incentivisation through distributing a proportion of criminal assets recovered to the police since April 2004; publication of the National Best Practice Guide to Confiscation Order Enforcement in August 2003; establishment of an enforcement task force; and establishment of an independent Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office in April 2005.
	Whitfield and Others (Application no. 46387/99)
	The Government are following up on issues on payment of just satisfaction. The law on prison discipline has already been changed as a result of the judgment in the prior case of Ezeh & Connors.
	Blackstock (Application no. 59512/00)
	The Government have paid the sum awarded as just satisfaction and have submitted the acknowledgement of receipt from the applicant's solicitors to the Committee of Ministers.
	Kolanis (Application no. 517/02)
	Judgment became final on 21 September 2005. The Government have now paid the just satisfaction awarded by the court. The domestic courts have already given guidance as to how effect should be given to legislation to avoid breaches in future. The Government will be submitting further information in due course.
	Hirst (Application no. 74025/01)
	The Government are considering what general measures, both in terms of possible legislation and practice, are needed to implement this recent judgment on the voting rights of prisoners. Proposals will be brought forward in due course.
	Glass (Application no. 61827/00)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers concerning payment of the sums awarded by the court. The Government have also submitted information to the committee concerning the Department of Health's proposed review of the consent reference guidance and will follow up further requests in this respect.
	Thompson (Application no. 36256/97)
	Information has been passed to the Committee of Ministers on changes to the armed services summary discipline procedures since the case arose. This information is to be updated.
	Wood (Application no. 47441/99)
	The Government have paid the sum agreed as just satisfaction and are awaiting an acknowledgement of receipt from the applicant's solicitors, which will be submitted to the Committee of Ministers.
	Wood (Application no. 23414)
	The Government are following up issues on the payment of just satisfaction.
	A (Application no. 25599/94)
	Since the judgment the Human Rights Act 1998 has entered into force. Domestic case law makes it clear that the "reasonable chastisement" defence now has to be implemented in the light of ECHR standards.
	Section 58 of the Children Act 2004 has now also entered into force, which abolishes the defence in England and Wales in relation to all charges apart from common (minor) assault. The Committee of Ministers has now accepted that the law in England and Wales appears to be compliant with the convention; however, the issue of ensuring effective deterrence is still under review. Similar provisions are to be put in place in Northern Ireland at the earliest legislative opportunity. The law in Scotland, which was changed by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, remains under review by the Committee.
	Keenan (Application no. 27229/95)
	The Prison Discipline Manual has been revised to reflect changes introduced with respect to segregation policy in prisons. The procedures by which prisoners can make a complaint have also been amended in Prison Standing Orders. Information has been passed to the Committee of Ministers.
	Jordan, McKerr. Finucane, Kelly, Shanaqhan & McShane (Application nos. 24746/94, 28883/95, 29178/95, 30054/96, 37715/97 & 43290/98)
	The Government have been working closely with the Council of Europe Secretariat in elaborating a comprehensive package of measures aimed at addressing the shortcomings referred to in these judgments.
	Five sections of the general measures required to comply with the judgments have now been closed by the Committee of Ministers. Further information is being provided, including on changes to the coroners system, and it is hoped that a number of further sections can be closed shortly.
	Further information will be provided to the committee on the personal situation of the applicants.
	Stafford (Application no. 46295/99), Wynne (Application no. 67385/01), Von Bulow (Application no. 75362/01), and Hill (Application no. 19365/02)
	Legislative changes have been made through Part 12, Chapter 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, and Schedules 21 and 22 to that Act, on the powers of the parole board to rule on the release of all mandatory life sentence prisoners. The Secretary of State is no longer free to depart from the decision of the parole board. The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on these provisions, the new parole board rules (under which all life-sentence prisoners will be entitled to insist on an oral hearing), and information on the applicants' personal situations.
	Paul and Audrey Edwards (Application no. 46477/99)
	The Government have provided information to the Committee of Ministers on a further investigation conducted by the Prison Service that remedied the defects in the original inquiry. The Government have also submitted information on a series of measures designed to prevent similar deaths in future as well as on administrative measures concerning investigation of deaths in custody and a report identifying weaknesses in the current coroner system that is expected to lead to legislation in England and Wales in due course. This information is under review by the Committee of Ministers.
	Wilson, NUJ & Others (Application no. 30668/96)
	Under the Employment Relations Act 2004, Part 3 workers now have a right not to have an offer made to them for the sole or main purpose of inducing them to renounce union membership or activities. Contacts are underway with the Council of Europe Secretariat concerning these measures and in particular on the position of trades unions.
	Benjamin & Wilson (Application No 28212/95)
	The discontinuation of the "technical lifer policy" was announced in a Written Commons Statement on 24 January 2005, with effect from 2 April 2005. Provisions in the Mental Health Act 1983 which govern the release of prisoners and which may apply to persons to whom technical lifer status had been granted prior to 2 April 2005 have been amended by Sections 294 and 295 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Information on these provisions, as well as on the status of Mental Health Review Tribunals and on the applicant's personal situation,has been passed to the Committee of Ministers. Further information will be provided in due course in response to a recent request from the secretariat.
	Jordan (Application no. 49771/99)
	Information has been passed to the Committee of Ministers on the creation in 2000 of an independent internal regulatory body in the Army, the OSC (A), to monitor the progress of cases subject to the court martial system. Further information has also been provided on the availability of legal aid and legal systems in such proceedings.
	Hutchison Reid (Application no. 50272/99)
	Legislative changes have been made under the Mental Health (Public Safety and Appeals) Scotland Act 1999, which make clear that in proceedings regarding review of detention of a mentally handicapped person, the burden of proof is now on the authorities. Information has also been passed to the Committee of Ministers on plans to increase the number of judges in the Court of Session. The issue of preventing delays in proceedings remains under discussion.
	Dowsett (Application no. 39482/98)
	Information has been passed to the Committee of Ministers on disclosure law brought about through the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Further information has been requested by the secretariat on the applicant's personal situation.
	Grieves, GW & Le Petit (Application nos. 57067/00, 34155/96 & 35574/97)
	The appointment of serving naval personnel as judge advocates has now ceased. Under the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (Remedial) Order 2004, responsibility for appointing judge advocates has been transferred to the Judge Advocate of the Fleet, a civilian. The briefing notes for ordinary members of naval courts martial have been amended. Information on these measures has been passed to the Committee of Ministers, and is to be updated.
	Connors (Application no. 66746/01)
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has carried out a review and is continuing to consider the issue of security of tenure for residents of Gypsy and Traveller sites.
	Edwards & Lewis (Application no. 39647/98)
	Information has been passed to the Committee of Ministers on recent developments in disclosure law from the enactment of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, including on situations where special counsel may be appointed (decision of the House of Lords of 5 February 2004 in R v H & C), and on the applicants' personal situation.
	S.C. (Application no. 60958/00)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on a variety of special procedures to be made available to vulnerable juvenile defendants at the discretion of the court where necessary to allow the defendant to participate effectively in proceedings in accordance with Article 6 of the convention. These are: advisory opening statements by the bench; an appropriate adult/supporter for the defendant; "stocktakes" by the court of the defendant's understanding; giving of evidence by live CCTV link; reporting restrictions on present youth court lines; and intermediaries to help with evidence-giving. Work is progressing on a practice direction to introduce the majority of these procedures; the Government intend to legislate to give effect to the remainder.
	H.L. (Application no. 45508/99)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers about a consultation process begun in March 2005 that sought views on the approach to be taken to implement this judgment in England and Wales. It commits the Government to introducing additional procedural safeguards for incapacitated patients of unsound mind who are not subject to mental health legislation but whose treatment nonetheless involves a deprivation of liberty. The Government intend to publish policy proposals in light of this consultation with a view to introducing the necessary legislation for England and Wales at the earliest opportunity.
	Johnson (Application no. 22520/93)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on implementation through a change in domestic law effected by the case of R (on the application of IH) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Secretary of State for Health (2002) EWCA Civ. 646. The Government have also submitted information to the Committee on the draft Mental Health Bill published in September 2004 which will be included in their legislative programme for 2005–06 and will, if enacted, replace the arrangements under which this applicant was detained.
	Quinn, John Murray, Kevin Murray, Magee & Averill (Application nos. 23496/94, 18731/91, 22384/93, 28135/95 & 36408/97)
	The one remaining point is that statutory amendments made to the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 will be commenced on completion of the current review of police and criminal evidence legislation and codes of practice in Northern Ireland. This review is expected to be completed in summer 2006. Administrative guidance issued to the Chief Constable of Northern Ireland and by the Attorney-General to prosecutors will continue to apply until the review has been completed, and will ensure that practice is consistent and already complies with the convention across the UK.
	Hashman & Harrup (Application no. 25594/94)
	Certain measures have already been taken, including the publication of the Crown Prosecution Casework Bulletin No. 6 of 2000 (which gives guidance to prosecutors), and a consultation document published in 2003 (which recommends that courts issuing binding-over orders specify that the individual concerned is bound to do or refrain from doing specific activities, and that the details of the conduct be included in an order served on all relevant parties).
	The issue of a practice direction is still outstanding: it is intended that this will be issued in 2006.
	Faulkner (Application no. 30308/96)
	An extra-statutory scheme for the provision of legal aid in Guernsey has been put into place and has operated successfully for a considerable period. Those who wish to seek legal aid can do so, and those who are eligible receive appropriate assistance. Procedures are ongoing for the enactment of a statutory scheme for civil legal aid as envisaged under this friendly settlement. It is hoped that this can be put in place in due course. In the mean time, the extra-statutory procedures ensure that the Government's obligations under the ECHR are already being met.
	J.T. v. UK (Application no. 26494/95)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on the draft Mental Health Bill published in September 2004 which will be included in their legislative programme for 2005–06 and will, if enacted, replace the arrangements for "nearest relatives" which were at issue in this case.
	Z & Others (Application No 29392/95)
	The legislation in question (the Childcare Act 1980) has been replaced by the Children Act 1989. Information has also been passed to the Committee of Ministers concerning the effect of the Human Rights Act 1998 in providing domestic remedies. The Council of Europe Secretariat is currently considering whether that information demonstrates that an effective domestic remedy now exists in cases involving a breach of Article 3.
	Price (Application no. 33394/96)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on measures to implement the judgment through implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the issuing of guidance to ensure that prisoners with disabilities are placed in cells with appropriate facilities. The guidance will be communicated to the committee when available.
	Kingsley (Application no. 35605/97)
	Following the judgment, changes were made to the structure and proceedings of the Gaming Board to ensure that similar complaints would not arise. The Gambling Act 2005 will repeal the Gaming Act 1968 and replace the Gaming Board by a new Gambling Commission and Gambling Appeal Tribunal. The commission came into being on 1 October 2005; it is expected that the Gambling Appeal Tribunal will be established by 1 January 2007.
	DP & JC (Application no. 38719/97)
	See under Z, in relation to the Human Rights Act.
	E (Application no. 33218/96)
	Information has been passed to the Committee of Ministers on the changes in childcare practice in Scotland since the case arose. See under Z, in relation to the Human Rights Act.
	Henworth (Application no. 515/02)
	The only outstanding issue is whether the judgment has been disseminated to the relevant authorities. The Government are having discussions with the committee regarding dissemination of the judgment.
	Hooper (Application no. 42317/98)
	As appears from the court's judgment, UK law has already implemented the convention requirements. The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers advising that the Lord Chancellor will issue a practice direction to ensure that (a) the terms of binding-over orders are more specific; (b) adequate notice is given in order to allow proper time for preparation and making representations; and (c) the legal representative is heard as required by Article 6 of the convention.
	King (Application no. 13881/02)
	The Government have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers on dissemination of the judgment, and will be following up further requests.
	Massey (Application no. 14399/02)
	The Government have paid the sum awarded by the court and have submitted information to the Committee of Ministers concerning the dissemination of the judgment to the competent authorities as well as details of reporting of the judgment.
	The judgments on the cases of I v the United Kingdom, Goodwin v the United Kingdom, Ezeh v the United Kingdom, and Peck v the United Kingdom, which I listed in my previous Answer, are now awaiting the drafting of a final resolution, and their discussion by the committee has now been closed.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether new money from the Treasury has been made available to fund the financial assistance scheme; or, if not, from which department's budget it has come.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The provision of £400 million for the financial assistance scheme (FAS) has been funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. Government funding is fixed for the current spending review period up to and including 2007–08. As with all our spending plans, funding for the FAS will be reviewed in the next spending review, alongside other spending priorities.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the eligibility rules for the financial assistance scheme will be widened if before the review of the scheme in 2007 there should be fewer than 15,000 people who are eligible.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The estimate that up to 15,000 people may benefit from the financial assistance scheme (FAS) is based on the limited data that the trustees of affected pension schemes have been able to provide. In most cases they will not be able to provide the detailed information we need to assess the scale of individual losses until they are close to completing the winding up of each scheme. For many schemes this will take a number of years. Until such information is available it will not be possible to establish exactly how many members will be eligible for the FAS.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the rules of the financial assistance scheme will comply with age discrimination legislation.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The European Employment Directive (Council Directive 2000/78) outlaws discrimination on a number of grounds including age in relation to employment and vocational training. The age discrimination provision must be implemented by 2 December 2006. The directive does not apply to the financial assistance scheme since it does not apply to payments of any kind made by state schemes or similar, including state social security or social protection schemes.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the rules of the financial assistance scheme are compatible with the Human Rights Act.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The provisions of the financial assistance scheme (FAS) are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Ministers have made statements to this effect in relation to both the Pensions Act 2004 and certain subsequent FAS regulations. The convention does not require states to provide payments of any particular kind, and allows states a wide discretion when deciding their social and economic policy.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why, for pension schemes eligible for the financial assistance scheme, they have used an individual's proximity to the normal pension age rather than their proximity to state pension age.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The financial assistance scheme (FAS) is providing assistance to those scheme members who face the most significant losses, who were already at or within three years of their scheme's normal retirement age on 14 May 2004. We have based eligibility on the individual's proximity to their own scheme's normal retirement age, as opposed to state pension age, as their expectations for the occupational pension were based on that scheme's normal retirement age. Where a scheme's normal retirement age is above 65 it will, however, be treated as 65 for the purposes of the FAS.
	All assistance payments will be made from age 65, or earlier where the payments are to qualifying members who are terminally ill.

Food from Britain

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What proportion of the further funding of £2 million for Food from Britain is to be spent on the objective of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to reconnect the public with food, farming and the countryside.

Lord Bach: The additional £2 million funding for Food from Britain will be spent on two annual programmes of activities focusing on trade development, consumer awareness and improving business competitiveness, in line with the strategy for quality regional food. All of these contribute to Defra's objective to promote a sustainable, competitive and safe food supply chain which meets consumers' requirements.

Identity Cards: Department for Constitutional Affairs

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish (a) any analysis they have made of the potential use that the Department for Constitutional Affairs may make of the National Identity Register or identity cards introduced following enactment of the Identity Cards Bill; and (b) their estimate of the costs that will or may be incurred by the Department for Constitutional Affairs in connection with such use.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The Department for Constitution Affairs contributed to the Benefits Overview Document, which was published be the Identity Cards Programme in June 2005. The Department for Constitutional Affairs has in consultation with the Identity Cards Programme commenced work on calculating the costs of using the ID cards scheme to support the services, which it oversees. We cannot release estimated cost for using the ID card scheme as some elements may be required from the market. The estimates are therefore commercially sensitive and to release them may prejudice the procurement process and the department's ability to obtain value for money from potential suppliers.
	The department is represented on the Ministerial Committee on Identity Cards, which oversees the work on benefits planning and realisation.
	We believe that operational benefits will be realised through the use of ID cards particularly in areas where the identity of individuals will assist in the delivery of front line services.

Money Laundering Regulations

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What estimate they have made of the cost to the regulated sector of complying with the provisions of the Money Laundering Regulations 2003; and whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of the guidance on compliance issued to the different parts of the regulated sector.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: Information about the costs to the regulated sector of complying with the 2003 Money Laundering Regulations are contained in the regulatory impact assessment to the regulations, issued by the Treasury on 26 November 2003. This is available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/4B7/B5/fullriamlr03–80.pdf.
	Sectoral guidance on anti-money laundering/counter terrorist finance is usually produced by industry bodies rather than the Government. However, HM Revenue and Customs is developing some guidance for money service businesses and high value dealers. A working draft of HMRC guidance is publicly available at www.hmrc.gov.uk and is likely to be developed further in the new year.

National Parking Adjudication Service

Lord Biffen: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will review the funding arrangements, objectives, organisation and conduct of the National Parking Adjudication Service; and
	Whether they will arrange for investigations into the behaviour of National Parking Adjudication Service officials to be held in public.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Road Traffic Act 1991, as subsequently amended by statutory instruments for application outside London, provides for a joint committee of local authorities with decriminalised parking enforcement power to be established. The joint committee is responsible for the funding arrangements, objectives, organisation and conduct of the National Parking Adjudication Service and its officials.

Regional Food Strategy

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the independent evaluation of the regional food strategy will be published.

Lord Bach: The independent evaluation of the regional food strategy, which was published on 18 October 2005, is now available on Defra's website at www.statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/evaluation/regional/default.asp.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many heavy vehicle movements they estimate will be required in order to construct the proposed second runway at Stansted Airport, as detailed by BAA on 9 December.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The management of the construction of a new runway at Stansted will be a matter for BAA. This will be an issue for BAA to consider in taking its plans through the land use planning system.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What discussions they have had with (a) British Airways, and (b) Virgin Atlantic regarding the construction of the proposed second runway at Stansted airport; and whether they will place a copy of the minutes of any such discussions in the Library of the House; and
	What discussions Ministers or officials from within the Department for Transport have had with BAA over the financing of a possible second runway at Stansted airport; and
	What discussions Ministers or officials from within the Department for Transport have had with (a) Ministers or officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; (b) officials from the Environment Agency; or (c) officials from the Countryside Agency regarding the possible environmental impact or otherwise of a second runway at Stansted airport; and
	How many times (a) the Secretary of State for Transport, and (b) the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Transport have met the Chief Executive of BAA during the past 12 months.

Lord Davies of Oldham: Ministers and officials have met with a wide range of aviation stakeholders, including airlines, airports and local and environmental interest groups. The matters discussed at many of them are confidential for commercial or other reasons, therefore it would not be appropriate to summarise the details of these meetings or to place the minutes in the House Library.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many kilowatts of power they estimate will be used each year by the new terminal and service buildings under the proposals for a second runway at Stansted airport, as detailed by BAA on 9 December.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The BAA is currently consulting on proposals for a second runway. At this stage it has not provided information on future energy requirements.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many listed properties will be affected by the possible construction of a second runway at Stansted Airport, as described by BAA on 9 December; and
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 14 December (WA 168), whether they will provide a brief description of those (a) listed buildings; (b) scheduled ancient monuments; and (c) other sites containing structures of local or national historic interest that might be affected by the proposed building of a second runway at Stansted airport; and
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 14 December (WA 168), whether the number of historic or listed buildings possibly affected by the construction of a second runway at Stansted Airport announced by BAA on 9 December differs from the proposals published in their White Paper The future of air transport; and, if so, how.

Lord Davies of Oldham: BAA's Stansted Generation 2 consultation document, published on the 9 December, states that the possible construction of its preferred second runway airport layout option (option A) would entail the loss of 25 listed properties (grade II).
	This is slightly fewer than was stated in the White Paper; the assessment for the indicative runway layout option shown in the White Paper was that it would entail a loss of 29 listed buildings and two scheduled ancient monuments.
	BAA's consultation document also contains a map of environmental features in the Stansted airport vicinity, which includes the sites of listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments and conservation areas. BAA's consultation closes on 24 March, and further details can be obtained at its website at www.stanstedairport.com/future.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What discussions they have had with BAA over the possible construction of a third runway at (a) Stansted Airport, and (b) Heathrow Airport; and whether they will place the notes of any such discussions in the Library of the House.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Air Transport White Paper 2003 supported development of a second runway at Stansted, and a third at Heathrow if environmental limits can be met. Since its publication, there has been regular dialogue with BAA on these issues. Information on the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow is available on the department's website.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many (a) Ministers, and (b) officials from the Department for Transport have visited the proposed site of the second runway at Stansted Airport; who undertook the visits; and when the visits took place.

Lord Davies of Oldham: My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Karen Buck), visited Stansted airport to examine the proposed site of the second runway, accompanied by Department for Transport officials on 5 December 2005. Two officials visited the airport separately on 29 August 2004.

Stansted Airport

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many officials within the Department for Transport are working, either full or part time, on the possible expansion of Stansted airport; and what are the job titles of those involved.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Department for Transport has an Aviation Directorate of approximately 90 officials, which manages work on all air transport White Paper policies including the expansion of Stansted airport.

Torture

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What powers they have to prevent or prosecute breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Convention Against Torture, customary international law, or United Kingdom criminal law, in respect of acts of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment done on board foreign aircraft flying over or landing in United Kingdom territory.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Torture is an offence under English law, regardless of where it is committed. Police powers to prevent the commission of offences would also apply to the offence of torture. Decisions about prosecuting torture offences are made by prosecution authorities.

Transport Policy: Mr Rod Eddington

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which individuals and organisations Mr Rod Eddington has met in his capacity as government adviser on transport policy.

Lord Davies of Oldham: Rod Eddington has met with senior representatives of the organisations listed at Table 1. He has had roundtable meetings involving the organisations listed at Table 2, and has conducted regional visits to each of the English regions and to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, during which he met with those listed at Table 3. Rod Eddington has also met with transport operators and providers as listed at Table 4, and meets regularly with a group of leading academics in the fields of transport and economics, as listed at Table 5.
	Table 1: Meetings to date
	AA Motoring Trust
	Air Transport Users Council
	Airport Operators Association
	Association of Rail Freight Operators
	Association of Train Operating Companies
	Kate Barker
	Bombardier
	British Chambers of Commerce
	Commission for Integrated Transport
	Confederation of British Industry
	Core Cities Transport Connectivity Group
	Detica
	Federation of Small Businesses
	Freight Transport Association
	Highways Agency
	Institute of Directors
	Liberal Democrat Transport
	Team Local Government Association
	London First
	Network Rail Northern Way
	Passenger Transport Executive Group
	RAC Foundation
	Rail Freight Group
	Rail Passengers Council
	Railway Forum
	Regional Development Agency transport leads
	Road Haulage Association
	Trades Union Congress
	Transport 2000
	Transport for London
	Ultraspeed
	Table 2: Organisations involved in roundtable meetings
	Anschutz Entertainment Group
	Associated British Ports
	Association of Commuter Transport
	Aviation Environment Federation
	BAA Plc
	British International Freight Association
	British Land
	BT Group
	Campaign to Protect Rural England
	Canary Wharf Group
	Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
	Confederation of British Industry
	Core Cities Group
	Cushman Wakefield, Healey and Baker
	Deloitte
	Department of Trade and Industry
	Department for Work and Pensions
	Disability Rights Commission
	Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
	Ellis Transport Services
	FlyBe
	Freight Transport Association
	Friends of the Earth
	GlaxoSmithKline
	Heriot-Watt University
	Highways Agency
	Job Centre Plus
	Living Streets
	MDS TransModal
	MTR Corporation
	NM Rothschild and Sons
	Orange
	Rail Freight Group
	Road Haulage Association
	RoadBlock
	Sea and Water
	Siemens Transportation
	Sustrans
	Transport 2000
	Transport for London
	UK Chamber of Shipping
	UK Major Ports Group
	United Parcel Service Ltd
	Visit Britain
	World Travel and Tourism Council
	Table 3: Regional meetings
	each of the regional development agencies, regional assemblies and government offices;
	Ministers and officials from the devolved administrations;
	a vast number of business users around the country, from small businesses to multinational companies and covering a whole range of sectors in both services and manufacturing;
	in particular, a number of companies in the freight/logistics/distribution sectors;
	in most regions, local representatives of the Confederation of British Industry and British Chambers of Commerce;
	in many regions, local representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors;
	local and regional enterprise fora, economic partnerships and urban regeneration companies;
	a range of local government officials from each of the "core cities" and from other local authorities besides;
	the PTEs in each of the conurbations;
	representatives of the tourism industry; and
	environmental and sustainable travel groups in the regions.
	Table 4: Transport operators and providers
	Arriva Plc
	Associated British Ports
	BAA Plc
	Birmingham International Airport
	Bristol International Airport
	Bristol Port Company
	DFDS Tor Line
	Durham Tees Valley Airport
	First Group
	Go-Ahead
	Great North Eastern Railway
	Hull Trains
	Humberside International Airport
	Hutchison Whampoa
	Leeds-Bradford International Airport
	Manchester International Airport
	Midland Expressway Ltd
	National Express Group
	Northern Rail
	Nottingham East Midlands Airport
	P&O
	PD Ports
	Peel Holdings
	Robin Hood Airport
	Serco Integrated Transport
	Stagecoach Group
	Transpennine Express
	Trent Barton Buses
	Virgin Group
	Table 5: Academics
	Paul Cheshire, Professor of Economic Geography at LSE
	Robert Cochrane, Visiting Professor at Imperial College London
	Nick Crafts, Professor of Economic History at LSE
	Stephen Glaister, Professor of Transport and Infrastructure at Imperial College London
	Dr Dieter Helm, Fellow in Economics at New College Oxford
	Steven Machin, Professor of Economics, UCL
	Peter Mackie, Professor of Transport Studies at the University of Leeds
	Dr Henry Overman, Lecturer in New Economic Geography at LSE
	Tony Venables, Professor of International Economics at LSE